Clippers Net Kawhi Leonard And Paul George

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Clippers vaulted to top-contender status Friday with the marquee acquisitions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Leonard, the most sought after free-agent of the summer, is expected to sign a four-year contract worth as much as $142 million, reported the Los Angeles Times. The team nabbed George through a trade with Oklahoma City, giving up forward Danilo Gallinari and point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, four unprotected first-round draft picks, and a protected first-round pick,the Times reported.

Both Leonard and George are from Southern California, and, together, they have the potential to make the Clippers the powerhouse of the west. Leonard is the biggest NBA Star to ever sign with the Clippers as a free agent. He is a player that crosstown rival the Lakers were reportedly pushing hard for.

The stunning series of moves, which were first reported by ESPN, overshadow the Laker's blockbuster summer moves. They traded several emerging stars in a complex four-team trade to get Anthony Davis from the Pelicans, pairing him with LeBron James.

Whatever else happens this free agency, one this is for sure: It's good to be a basketball fan in Los Angeles again.